Description
This Korean Cucumber Salad is crisp, refreshing, spicy, and packed with bold flavor. Fresh cucumbers are tossed in a savory-sweet dressing made with garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili flakes for a quick side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, rice bowls, or Korean-inspired meals. It’s light, crunchy, and incredibly addictive.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4 small cucumbers, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts (optional)
For the Dressing
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them into thin rounds. If the cucumbers have very large seeds, you can remove some of the center for a crunchier texture. Place the sliced cucumbers into a large mixing bowl.
Sprinkle the cucumbers lightly with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This helps draw out extra moisture and keeps the salad crisp instead of watery. After resting, gently pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels.
Add the sliced green onions, minced garlic, sesame seeds, and chopped peanuts to the bowl with the cucumbers.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, gochugaru, red pepper flakes, ginger, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. The dressing should taste savory, tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy.
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss everything together until evenly coated. Make sure the dressing reaches all the cucumber slices for maximum flavor.
Let the salad rest for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the cucumbers absorb the dressing. The flavor becomes even better after a short chill in the refrigerator.
Serve cold or slightly chilled for the most refreshing texture
Notes
- Persian or English cucumbers work best because they are crisp and less watery
- Adjust the chili flakes depending on your spice preference
- Toasted sesame oil gives the salad its signature flavor
- Letting the cucumbers sit with salt helps keep them crunchy
- Fresh garlic and ginger create the best authentic flavor
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 130 per serving